Bryn Mawr College -
COLORS OF INDIA

January 28/29, 2024 - Depart U.S.A.

Suggested departure for New Delhi. If you wish to spend a few extra days in New Delhi and wish to depart early, please contact Immersion Journeys.

January 30- Arrive Delhi

Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. India’s capital Delhi is one of the most vibrant cities and leads the country in terms of art, culture, culinary experiences, shopping, entertainment and overall standard of living.

*Early arrival hotel bookings are available at a rate of $300/ double room per night or $275/ single occupancy room). Please contact Immersion Journeys.

Taj Palace

January 31, 2024 - Tour of Delhi

The historic tour begins at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

The 12th century Qutab Minar is a gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234 ft– a engineering marvel back in the day. Visit the mausoleum of emperor Humayun which was a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. The tour will also stop at India Gate, the President’s Residence, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings - an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

Afternoon visit the National Gallery of Modern Art (closed on Monday’s), the Gallery has a repertoire exhibits by contemporary Indian artists. The gallery was earlier the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It exhibits around 4,000 Indian paintings, sculpture and graphic art dating from the mid-19^th century to the present day.

Drive through “Lutyen’s Delhi”. Lutyen was commissioned to design a new urban city (hence New Delhi)  during the British Raj. One can see India Gate – the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the Presidential Palace, the Parliament House and other beautiful buildings built by this noted British architect. This entire area of Delhi is lush, with parks, wide roads and rambling beautiful houses. 

Evening welcome dinner with limited bar.

Taj Palace  (B,L,D)

February 1, 2024 - Delhi – Agra

Depart for Agra- home of the famous Taj Mahal.

Visit the Agra Fort. This fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and notable for its blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles.

Sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this is a tribute of love for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument is an amazing feat of human industry and a perfect example of beauty, symmetry and aesthetics. Only when one enters the main gates and gaze upon the Taj, does the enormity of the task of building this mammoth structure hit the visitor.

Taj Hotel & Convention Centre  (B,L)

February 2, 2024 - Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast drive to Jaipur with a stop at Abhaneri Stepwell- one of India's largest and deepest wells and a key water source. Step wells were a prominent feature in arid, desert environments and the main source of water for travellers and local villages for miles around. Their intricate designs signified the prominence and wealth of the region and were often commissioned by local kings.

Arrive in Jaipur popularly known as “Pink City”. Jaipur is considered India’s first planned city where there is a clear segregation between residential and commercial areas. If time permits, the guide will take you on a walkingtour through the historic markets and alleys where you will begin to get a sense of the urban design.

ITC Rajputana (B,L)

February 3, 2024 - Tour of Jaipur

Guided visits to Jaipur’s famous forts and historic places.

Visit the Amber Fort which is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time- ravaged walls and fascinating palaces inside. Walk the ramparts of this imposing structure. Once you reach the top, you will get unobstructed views of the city below and the hills in the distance.

The City Palace is the former residence of the royal family and now a museum. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the old city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry. Stop at Jantar Mantar, one of the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has seventeen large instruments, many of them in working condition.

*Due to animal cruelty concerns, Immersion Journeys refrains from offering elephant-backed rides while ascending and descending Amber Fort.

ITC Rajputana (B,L)

February 4, 2024 - Jaipur – Jaisalmer (flight)

Located near the India/ Pakistan border, it is also known as  the City of the Gold thanks to the locally mined yellow sandstone that gives it a dull gold finish from where it gets its name. Named after its founder Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king in 1156 AD, "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". As it was on the main spice route and caravan route, it gained prosperity through trade and the signs of this can be seen in the planning of the town as well as the intricately carved havelis or villas.

Suryagarh (B,L)

February 5, 2024 - Tour of Jaisalmer

Tour the Jaisalmer Fort. Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajputs, is situated on Trikuta Hill and has been the scene of many battles over many centuries. The fort is also the few “living forts” complete with temples, hotels, schools and shops.

Later visit some of the important havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer built by wealthy traders. Many depict images and sculptures that reflected their passions and folly’s such as the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli whose facade is intricately covered with flowers, birds, elephants, soldiers, a bicycle and even a steam engine.

Suryagarh (B,L)

February 6, 2024 - Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Depart for Jodhpur known as the “blue” city.

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and has a long history of battles and prosperity. Located on the strategic Delhi – Gujarat Road the town prospered as a trade route. Today, Jodhpur is world renowned for its fashion, polo team and destination wedding venues thanks to its backdrop.

Ajit Bhawan (B,L)

February 7, 2024 - Tour of Jodhpur

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort perched on a 37 meter high hill. Built by Rao Jodha, this fort is today one of the best museums in the country and has galleries that include elephant howdahs, palanquins, paintings, woodcraft, textile and more. The base of the Mehrangarh hill, is surrounded by houses painted blue, to signify that Brahmins live in them. These days there are still a significant number of painted homes and it is these that give the city its name – The Blue City of Jodhpur.

Ajit Bhawan (B,L)

February 8, 2024 - Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur Jain Temples

Depart for Udaipur stopping at Ranakpur to visit the famous Jain temples. This temple complex is a beautiful example of Jain architecture and has with over a thousand uniquely carved marble pillars.

Udaipur  is considered one of the most romantic places in the world and studded with lakes and ‘floating’ palaces, set amidst rolling hills.

Trident (B,L)

February 9, 2024 - Tour of Udaipur

Founded in 1559 by Mahrana Udai Singh II, Udaipur was the last capital of the state of Mewar.

On this excursion, visit the City Palace complex. Built along the banks of the Lake Pichola, this is a series of palaces that have been in existence since the city was founded and contains collections from the royal wardrobe, paintings, carriages, armory and more. Walk the quaint streets and end up in the imposing Jagdish temple. Unlike the temples at Ranakpur which are much simpler in design, the Jagdish temple has intricate carvings and dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the Preserver in the Hindu trinity of gods).

After a wonderful sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Trident (B, L, D)

February 10, 2024 - Udaipur – Delhi (flight)

Morning at leisure. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Udaipur airport to connect flight to Delhi. On arrival check in at airport hotel and room will be booked until departure.

Pullman (B)

Pre and Post Tour Options (costs based minimum 2 guests):

Optional Pre-tour (Jan 26-30, 2024)

Mumbai & the Ajanta & Ellora Caves $1,695 per person (double occupancy)/ $550 single room supplement.

Visit the vibrant city of Mumbai and the world’s largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Ajanta and Ellora consists of ancient Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples and rock carvings which will leave you in awe.

• Jan 26- Arrive Mumbai. Trident Nariman Point (B)
• Jan 27- Tour of Mumbai. Trident Nariman Point (B)
• Jan 28- Fly to Aurangabad and guided tour of Ajanta Caves. Vivanta by Taj (B)
• Jan 29- Guided tour of Ellora Caves. Vivanta by Taj (B)
• Jan 30- Fly to Delhi and join the main trip.

 Includes: accommodations as indicated with daily breakfast, tour of Mumbai, tour of Ajanta and Ellora caves, all local flights (economy class).

Excludes: Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel staff, lunches and dinners, beverages.

Optional Post-tour (Feb 10-14, 2024)

Varanasi & Khajuraho $1,755 per person (double occupancy)/ $590 single room supplement.

An immersion in India’s holiest city located on the banks of the Ganges. Observe devotees make their pilgrimage to this important religious site. Take part in the evening aarti as the sunsets. In Khajuraho- visit the famous historic eastern and western temple complexes built around 900AD. Those left standing will leave you on awe. 

• Feb 10- Fly to Varanasi. Taj Ganges (B)
• Feb 11- Tour of Varanasai, evening aarti. Taj Ganges (B)
• Feb 12- Fly to Khajuraho. Lalit Temple View (B)
• Feb 13- Tour of east and western temple complex. Lalit Temple View (B)
• Feb 14- Fly to Delhi and depart for home

 Includes: accommodations as indicated with daily breakfast, guided tours with English-speaking guide, all local flights (economy class).

Excludes: Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel staff, lunches and dinners, beverages.